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Four Salvation Army Officers Relocated to MemphisMEMPHIS, Tennessee, September 27, 2007 — Salvation Army officer Captain August Pillsbury knows what it is like to be a broken man. He knows what it is like to live on the streets, begging and stealing to make enough money to fund an addiction. He also understands how difficult a journey it is to go through rehab and turn one's life around. He knows these things intimately, because 10 years ago he was an addict living on the streets of San Antonio. This year, Captain August Pillsbury is one of four Salvation Army officers who have been relocated to Memphis. Captain August and his wife Melissa have taken command of the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). Captains Joseph and Melissa Irvin are the new leaders at the Winchester Corps. Captain August has been a Salvation Army officer for five years and his wife Melissa has served for nine. His experiences as a former addict and client of The Salvation Army enable him to relate to the men seeking rehabilitation at the ARC. He understands the emotional and spiritual turmoil that can drive men to addiction. During his time as an addict he would visit The Salvation Army for food. It wasn't until an officer asked to pray with him that Captain August woke up from the destructive path his life had taken. During his rehabilitation process, Captain August made a commitment to Christ and decided to become a Salvation Army officer. After several years serving as a Salvation Army soldier, he was accepted into the seminary to train as a Salvation Army officer, determined to help others conquer their addictions. "I can connect with these men because I know what it is like living on the streets, addicted, depressed and so sick you can barely stand," said Captain August. "God helped me turn my life around and has led me here to teach others how to live spiritual lives, and how to lead them away from addiction." Captains August and Melissa have been married for three years. They have previously been stationed in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. They replace Captains Henry and Debbie Hudson who we relocated to Ft. Lauderdale. "We hope to assist all of the men in their journey on the road to recovery," said Captain Melissa Pillsbury. "Most importantly, we want to teach them how to live spiritual lives, and how to do it with God's help." Captains Joseph and Melissa Irvin have served in The Salvation Army for five years. Before moving to Memphis, they were stationed in Middlesboro, Kentucky. They have three children, ages 12, 10 and nine. The captains are the commanders/ministers for the Winchester Corps. They run the church and will continue to build outreach programs in the Winchester community. The Irvins replace Majors John and Jackie Tolan, who retired in July. "The Irvins bring youth and a sense of enthusiasm to the Corps," said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander, The Salvation Army. "They both have very strong pastoral skills which allow them to be very focused on serving the people, sharing God's love and Church programming. We are glad to have them on board, and look forward to working with them." Officers are relocated around the 14 states that make up the southern territory of The Salvation Army. The decision to reappoint officers is made by the headquarters of the southern territory and based on the needs of the various commands. There is currently an officer shortage and as officers retire, more officers are taking on additional responsibilities. They are reappointed by headquarters to areas where their skills can continue to develop and where they can "do the most good." About the ARC About the Winchester Corps |
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